And it calls to me like a warm wind blowin'...

I've only been in North Carolina for two days, but it's been so great.  The only thing that would make it any better is if Danny were here.  But that probably goes without saying.  =]

I love my family SO much.  I really can't find words to describe it.  I am just so happy right now.  I missed them even more than I thought.

One thing I know, no matter where I go, I keep my heart and soul deep in the South.  I'm moving back here some day.  California is great and all, but it just doesn't have the charm.

Detox

I'm letting go of silly things I've been holding onto for years.  Things that I felt "defined me" forever ago.  ...Well really they don't.  They're just keeping me from becoming who I'm supposed to be.  Change is ok.  I need to remember that.  It's ok to move on in life.  Letting go might even be a little liberating.


Moving on doesn't mean forgetting about people who meant so much to me, it just means seeing them in a different light, and I'm becoming more ok with that.  Take that, chronic nostalgia!



Plus, I won't take pictures like this anymore!



Can you tell my mom told me to clean out my boxes I left at home?



Sir Veigh

I love these things.  I used to do them all the time in high school.  Something about straight-forward questions...or maybe I just like talking about myself...

1. If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Sigh, so difficult.  Probably Damien Rice or Regina Spektor.  But then how could I live my life without The Format?  I'm glad this isn't a realistic scenario.

2. Do you/did you sleep with a stuffed animal and what is it?
I slept with "Bobo Bear" from ages 2-20. I only stopped because I got married.  He's hidden in an undisclosed location in our apartment.  Dan's not a fan of Bobo.

3. What is your favorite Disney movie?
Lion King, Pocahontas, or the Little Mermaid.  Probably the Lion King though.

4. What is one thing in your life you regret doing or not doing?
I regret time wasted freshman year.

5. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
Sorting out my thoughts. 

6. What is your most embarrassing moment?
Well, of the many there have been, this is one I like to laugh about now:  When I lived in Texas, I was walking back from the track after PE with some friends, and wasn't really paying attention to where I was going and I walked into a parked car.  Actually, I fell on top of the hood and set off the car alarm.  As if that wasn't enough, that car alarm set off the next car's alarm.  It took awhile to live that one down.

7. If you could change your name to something else, what would it be?
When I was younger, I used to hate my name--mostly because there were always at least 3 other girls in my class named Lauren.  I always wished my name was Elizabeth or something dreamy like that.  But I decided I liked my name in high school, and it's been smooth sailing ever since.  Even if I have the most boring name in my family. =]

8. What is one of your greatest accomplishments in life?
I don't really feel like I've accomplished much, but marrying Dan in the temple is a pretty big deal. 

I Tag:

1. Mom
2. Grammie

3. Lisa

4. Brighton

5. Autumn

6. Renee

And I think that's everyone that normally ever reads this. =]

Our apartment

Due to the many requests, here is our new apartment.  It's still under work (paticularly the bedroom...), but we're happy to be in our own place.  Also, I love my new table and chairs! =]

It Is Your Birthday.

...Or it was two days ago.  Friday was Danny's birthday!  We went to his favorite restaurant (Olive Garden), and finished up our Lord of the Rings marathon we'd been having this week over a box of his favorite Ben and Jerry's ice cream.  I got him TWO seasons of Psych.  Because I'm just that awesome.  Ok really, I was just going to get him season four, but season three was on sale, so I figured I might as well.  The stars aligned for Dan's birthday I guess.

I'm so blessed to have Dan in my life.  He is my best friend and I know is going to keep me laughing throughout eternity.  I'm so proud of him for getting into dental school and working so hard and always doing his best.  He is such a great husband and I know he's going to make a great father someday (not any day soon, don't worry, Mom). I love you!

Of late...

I started my new job.  It's pretty sweet.  Everyone is super nice and I only work five hours a day...but even on the occassional day I have to work eight hours, it flies by fast.  Mostly because I bring a book to read--I've read 3 1/2 books since Wednesday.  I am loving it. =]  There's real work too, like answering the phone and transfering calls, filing things, taking care of the mail, etc.  But nothing too bad.  Some people may find receptionist duties beneath them, but for right now, I am digging the mediocrity.  It's nice to just let my brain relax and remember why I love reading. 

Our apartment is the bomb.com, especially compared to our dinky place we were living in Wymount.  Pictures to come.  Whenever I remember to take them.

I still don't really have any friends, but Dan and I got invited to a dinner party for tomorrow, so hopefully I'll be in an outgoing/social mood and fix this friend situation.

Important/Awesome news:  I'm going to visit my family in three weeks! 

Fall finally decided to join us here in sunny southern California.  This is a good thing seeing as fall is my favorite, favorite season.  I'm a little sad I won't being seeing the leaves change colors this year, but I have palm trees.  So neener-neener-neener.

I miss everyone a million times a billion to infinity and beyond.